Gay blessing at church

March 17, 2013 |Mayra Beltran

They're first Houston couple using Episcopal new same sex rite

Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

1of19

Jeff Meadows smiles as partner Gary Patterson pins his boutonniere before their ceremony, The Witness and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Houston.

Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle

1of19

Jeff Meadows smiles as partner Gary Patterson pins his boutonniere before their ceremony, The Witness and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Houston.